The Environmentally Hazardous Substance Mark is Now Mandatory!
Don't let you shipments get refused.
The latest version of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods introduced a new marking for goods classified as Marine Pollutants. This rule became effective January 1, 2010 for IMDG shipments and January 14, 2010 under 49 CFR.
According to the U.S. DOT's 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations and the IMDG Code
A Marine Pollutant marking measuring at least 100 mm per side must be applied to:
- A non-bulk package for sea transport that contains a marine pollutant. The mark shall be placed in association with the hazard warning labels.
- A bulk packaging that has a capacity of less than 3,785 L (1,000 gallons). The package must be marked on at least two opposing sides or two ends other than the bottom. The markings must be visible from the direction it faces. (Marking may have the same outside dimensions as a placard)
A Marine Pollutant marking measuring at least 250 mm per side must be applied to:
- A bulk packaging having a capacity of 3,785 L (1,000 gallons) or more. The packaging must be marked on each end and each side. The mark must be visible from the direction it faces.
A transport vehicle or freight container (CTU) that contains any of the above packagings must be marked with the Marine Pollutant mark. The mark must appear on each side and each end of the transport vehicle or freight container.
According to the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations
Currently, the TDGR does not show the new diamond-shaped marine pollutant marking; it is planned to be introduced in an upcoming amendment to the TDGR. However, the TDGR does accept use of marks illustrated in the UN Recommendations. Therefore, the new mark may be used currently, since it is already shown in the UN Recommendations.
TDG requires marks on large means of containment if the vehicle or tank contains more than 500 kg of marine pollutants. The mark is also required on small means of containment (non-bulk packages) of marine pollutants if they are single packagings, or combination packagings with inners not larger than 5 Liters or kilograms (for Marine Pollutants) or 500 mL or grams (for Severe Marine Pollutants). The marking may be omitted for transport by road or rail only.
